Method and System for Processing Whole Hemp Stalks

ABSTRACT

A method and system for processing whole hemp stalks is disclosed. The method and system use an entirety of the whole hemp stalks in producing the particulate hemp such that the particulate hemp comprises both bast fiber and shire of the original whole hemp stalks. Additionally, hemp crumbs or crumbles may be processed from whole hemp stalks, or from particulate hemp which is larger than the hemp crumbs such as hemp pellets. The hemp crumbs may be formed by crushing the hemp pellets.

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/147,003 filed May 5, 2016, which claims the benefit of CanadianPatent Application Serial No. 2,890,428 filed May 7, 2015 and CanadianPatent Application Serial No. 2,914,313 filed Dec. 9, 2015 each of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to processing hemp bast fiber and hempshive or hurds, and more particularly to an economical and efficientmanner of processing hemp.

BACKGROUND

Use of hemp in consumer products and the like has increased in recentyears. Hemp is grown in Canada, where hemp stalks covered 75,000 acresof agricultural land in 2014.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the invention there is provided a method ofprocessing whole hemp stalks at a single location, each whole hemp stalkincluding bast fiber and shive, the method comprising:

providing the whole hemp stalks at said location;

at said location, reducing the whole hemp stalks into particulate hempwhich is smaller in size than the whole hemp stalks and still includesbast fiber and shive;

at said location, processing the particulate hemp without separatingbast fiber and shive including:

-   -   reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first        size range so as to be usable for further processing of the        particulate hemp into one of a plurality of different products        each with different size;

wherein the particulate hemp includes unseparated bast fiber and shivethroughout the step of processing the particulate hemp.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a systemof processing whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp at a singlelocation, wherein the whole hemp stalks have been harvested and each ofthe whole hemp stalks includes bast fiber and shive, the systemcomprising:

a preliminary size reduction station arranged at said location forreducing the previously harvested whole hemp stalks into particulatehemp, which is smaller in size than the whole hemp stalks and stillincludes bast fiber and shive;

a processing stage arranged at said location for processing theparticulate hemp without separating bast fiber and shive, the processingstage including:

-   -   a first size reduction station arranged for reducing the        particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first size range so        as to be usable for further processing of the particulate hemp        into one of a plurality of different products each with        different size;    -   at least one further size alteration station receiving the        particulate hemp sized in the first size range as input thereto        for said further processing so as to derive a selected one of        said plurality of different products;

wherein the particulate hemp includes unseparated bast fiber and shivethroughout the processing stage.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof processing whole hemp stalks, each whole hemp stalk including bastfiber and shive, the method comprising:

providing the whole hemp stalks;

reducing the whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp, which is smallerin size than the whole hemp stalks and still includes bast fiber andshive;

processing the particulate hemp, which includes:

-   -   reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first        range between 25 microns and 500 microns;

wherein the particulate hemp includes bast fiber and shive throughoutthe step of processing the particulate hemp.

In the embodiment as described in more detail hereinafter, theparticulate hemp is sized into one of several forms including hemp finesor flour, hemp pellets, and hemp crumbs (which are also termed hempcrumbles). Each hemp product, which is differentiated from one productto another by particle size, is advantageous for certain applicationsbased on physical form, as will become apparent later. The presentembodiment is suited for using an entirety of the hemp stalks forproducing the particulate hemp therefrom. As such, processing the hempstalks to form the particulate hemp may be less expensive than prior artprocesses in which the constituent components of the hemp stalks such asthe bast fiber and the shive are separated from one another beforeprocessing into the particulate hemp.

As the particulate hemp includes bast fiber and shive, close to 100% ofthe whole hemp stalks, if not all thereof, is processed into theparticulate hemp. As such, separation of bast fiber and shive is notrequired.

‘Pulverize’ as used in this specification means ‘to reduce to fineparticles.’

‘Hemp crumbs’ may also be called ‘hemp crumbles’; irrespective of theparticular term used, ‘crumb’ or ‘crumble’ as used in this specificationrefer to a small particle or portion of something—in this case of hemp.

The step of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in thefirst range between 25 microns and 500 microns may be performed using ahammer mill.

In one instance, the particulate hemp comprises an average dimensionbetween 1.10 centimetres and 7.70 centimetres after the step of reducingthe whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp but prior to the step ofprocessing the particulate hemp. In another instance, the particulatehemp comprises an average dimension between 1.30 centimetres and 6.40centimetres after the step of reducing the whole hemp stalks intoparticulate hemp but prior to the step of processing the particulatehemp. In a further instance, the particulate hemp comprises an averagedimension between 1.50 centimetres and 5.30 centimetres after the stepof reducing the whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp but prior to thestep of processing the particulate hemp.

The step of reducing the whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp may beperformed using a shredder.

“Average dimension” refers generally to an average of respective maximumdimensions of a unit of the particulate hemp measured on the respectiveunit in any direction since the unit may be of a variety of shapes. Thatis, the maximum dimension of each hemp unit is averaged for all of thehemp units belonging to the particular category comprising the units.Moreover, any reference to sizing of hemp particles, hemp fines, hemppellets, hemp crumbs, hemp cubes, or hemp briquettes hereinafter may beunderstood similarly to the aforementioned understanding of averagedimension. The understanding of “average piece dimension” or “averageparticle dimension” hereinafter is similar to that of ‘averagedimension’.

In one instance, the step of processing the particulate hemp, after thestep of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in the firstrange, additionally includes further altering the particulate hemp insize such that the particulate hemp comprises an average dimensionbetween 0.5 microns and 3.20 centimetres. In another instance, the stepof processing the particulate hemp, after the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size so as to lie in the first range, additionallyincludes further altering the particulate hemp in size such that theparticulate hemp comprises an average dimension between 0.8 microns and3.00 centimetres. In a further instance, the step of processing theparticulate hemp, after the step of reducing the particulate hemp insize so as to lie in the first range, additionally includes furtheraltering the particulate hemp in size such that the particulate hempcomprises an average dimension between 0.9 microns and 2.80 centimetres.

In one arrangement, the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in thefirst range, may additionally include further reducing the particulatehemp in size so as to lie in a second range between 0.5 microns and 300microns. Alternatively, the second range of the step of further reducingthe particulate hemp in size, which comes after the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size so as to lie in the first range, may be between0.8 microns and 250 microns. The second range of the step of furtherreducing the particulate hemp in size, which comes after the step ofreducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in the first range,may also alternatively be between 0.9 microns and 200 microns.

The step of reducing the particular hemp in size so as to lie in thesecond range such as that between 0.5 microns and 300 microns may beperformed using a hammer mill.

In one arrangement, the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in thefirst range, further includes binding together the particulate hemp intoa prescribed size range between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetres.Alternatively, the prescribed size range of the step of binding togetherthe particulate hemp may be between 0.80 centimetres and 3.00centimetres. The prescribed size range of the step of binding togetherthe particulate hemp may also alternatively be between 1.00 centimetresand 2.80 centimetres. The prescribed size range of the step of bindingtogether the particulate hemp may also alternatively be between 1.20centimetres and 2.60 centimetres.

The step of binding together the particulate hemp into the prescribedsize range such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetresmay be performed using a pellet mill.

In one arrangement, the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of binding together the particulate hemp into the prescribedsize range such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetres,additionally includes reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to liein a prescribed range between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80 centimetres. Theprescribed range of the step of reducing the particulate hemp in size,which comes after the step of binding together the particulate hemp, mayalternatively be between 0.50 centimetres and 2.60 centimetres.Alternatively, the prescribed range of the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size, which comes after the step of binding togetherthe particulate hemp, may be between 0.50 centimetres and 2.60centimetres. The prescribed range of the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size, which comes after the step of binding togetherthe particulate hemp, may also alternatively be between 0.75 centimetresand 2.30 centimetres. The prescribed range of the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size, which comes after the step of binding togetherthe particulate hemp, may also alternatively be between 1.00 centimetresand 2.00 centimetres.

The step of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in theprescribed range such as that between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80centimetres is performed using a roller mill.

Optionally, the step of binding together the particulate hemp includesadding moisture to the particulate hemp at a beginning or throughoutsaid step of binding together the particulate hemp so as to aid inbinding the particulate hemp.

Preferably, the step of processing the particulate hemp, after the stepof binding together the particulate hemp, further includes a step ofcooling the particulate hemp.

In one arrangement, the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of binding together the particulate hemp, further includes astep of separating inadequate hemp units from the particulate hemp, theinadequate hemp units having an average dimension sized outside theprescribed size range such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20centimetres. In one instance, the step of removing the inadequate hempunits comprises applying suction to the particulate hemp to separatetherefrom the inadequate hemp units that are sized smaller than saidprescribed size range such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20centimetres.

In one arrangement, the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in theprescribed range such as that between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80centimetres, additionally includes a step of separating inadequate hempunits from the particulate hemp, the inadequate hemp units having anaverage dimension sized outside said prescribed range such as thatbetween 0.30 centimetres and 2.80 centimetres. In one instance, the stepof removing the inadequate hemp units comprises applying suction to theparticulate hemp to separate therefrom the inadequate hemp units thatare sized smaller than said prescribed range such as that between 0.30centimetres and 2.80 centimetres.

In certain consumer products for which hemp is suitable such as animallitter and bedding, it is desirable that the litter or bedding is freeof dust which may be defined by the inadequate hemp units removed bysuction.

Additionally or alternatively to applying suction, the step of removingthe inadequate hemp units may comprise screening the particulate hemp.Preferably, the step of screening comprises a first separating stepsegregating or removing the inadequate hemp units which are larger thanthe respective range and a second separating step segregating orremoving the inadequate hemp units which are smaller than the respectiverange.

Typically, the inadequate hemp units removed by suction are defined bythe particulate hemp which was not properly pelletized. Also, theseinadequate hemp units, which are removed by suction, may be defined byfines generated during the step of reducing the particulate hemp in sizeso as to lie in the prescribed range such as that between 0.30centimetres and 2.80 centimetres. The suction may be applied to theparticulate hemp in addition to the screening, and the suction may beapplied during or after the screening of the particulate hemp.

It is preferred that the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of separating inadequate hemp units, includes reforming theinadequate hemp units back into the particulate hemp that is sized inthe prescribed size range such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20centimetres by reiterating each one of (i) the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size into the first range, and (ii) the step ofbinding together the particulate hemp on said inadequate hemp units. Thestep of reforming the inadequate hemp units back into the particulatehemp augments efficiency of the method and affords very near 100% of thewhole hemp stalks to be used, with little to no portion of the stalkswasted.

Preferably, the method, after the step of reducing the whole hemp stalksinto particulate hemp, further comprises a step of mixing theparticulate hemp so as to produce a blend of the particulate hemp whichhas a substantially uniform distribution of moisture. The step of mixingallows for the particulate hemp to be substantially uniformly moistprior to later size alteration steps of the step of processing.

In one instance, the step of providing the whole hemp stalks comprisesproviding bales thereof and the step of reducing the whole hemp stalksinto particulate hemp comprises reducing the bales of the whole hempstalks into the particulate hemp.

Preferably, the whole hemp stalks have a moisture content less than 15%by weight.

If moisture content of the whole hemp stalks is unsuitably high, in oneinstance the method, prior to the step of reducing the whole hemp stalksinto particulate hemp, further comprises a step of drying the whole hempstalks so that the whole hemp stalks have a moisture content less than15% by weight.

In one arrangement, the method, after the step of processing theparticulate hemp, further comprises a step of storing the particulatehemp in a manner suitable for selling the particulate hemp as or in afinal product.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a systemof processing whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp, wherein the wholehemp stalks have been harvested and each of the whole hemp stalksincludes bast fiber and shive, the system comprising:

a preliminary size reduction stage arranged for reducing the previouslyharvested whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp, which is smaller insize than the whole hemp stalks and still includes bast fiber and shive;

a processing stage arranged for processing the particulate hemp andwhich includes:

-   -   a first size reduction station arranged for reducing the        particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first range between        25 microns and 500 microns;

wherein the particulate hemp includes bast fiber and shive throughoutthe processing stage.

The whole hemp stalks comprise bast fiber and shive. In the embodimentas described hereinafter, the system is able to form the particulatehemp from the whole hemp stalks without separating the bast fiber andshive. Thus, the system may be more efficient in processing whole hempstalks as compared to prior art systems for doing same.

The first size reduction station may comprise a hammer mill.

In one instance, the preliminary size reduction stage is arranged forreducing the whole hemp stalks to the particulate hemp such that theparticulate hemp has an average dimension between 1.10 centimetres and7.70 centimetres. In another instance, the preliminary size reductionstage is arranged for reducing the whole hemp stalks into theparticulate hemp such that the particulate hemp has an average dimensionbetween 1.30 centimetres and 6.40 centimetres. In a further instance,the preliminary size reduction stage is arranged for reducing the wholehemp stalks into the particulate hemp such that the particulate hemp hasan average dimension between 1.50 centimetres and 5.30 centimetres.

The preliminary size reduction stage may comprise a shredder, such as anagricultural shredder.

In one instance, the processing stage, after the first size reductionstation, additionally includes a further size alteration stage which isarranged for altering the particulate hemp in size such that theparticulate hemp has an average dimension between 0.5 microns and 3.20centimetres. In another instance, the processing stage, after the firstsize reduction station, additionally includes a further size alterationstage which is arranged for altering the particulate hemp in size suchthat the particulate hemp has an average dimension between 0.8 micronsand 3.00 centimetres. In a further instance, the processing stage, afterthe first size reduction station, additionally includes a further sizealteration stage which is arranged for altering the particulate hemp insize such that the particulate hemp has an average dimension between 0.9microns and 2.80 centimetres.

In one arrangement, the processing stage, after the first size reductionstation, additionally includes a second size reduction station which isarranged for further reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to liein a second range between 0.5 microns and 300 microns. Alternatively,the second range of the second size reduction station may be between 0.8microns and 250 microns. The second range of the second size reductionstation may also alternatively be between 0.9 microns and 200 microns.

The second size reduction station may comprise a hammer mill.

In one arrangement, the processing stage, after the first size reductionstation, additionally includes a pelletizing station arranged forbinding together the particulate hemp into in a prescribed size rangebetween 0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetres. Alternatively, theprescribed size range of the pelletizing station may be between 0.80centimetres and 3.00 centimetres. The prescribed size range of thepelletizing station may also alternatively be between 1.00 centimetresand 2.80 centimetres. The prescribed size range of the pelletizingstation may also alternatively be between 1.20 centimetres and 2.60centimetres.

In one arrangement, the processing stage, after the pelletizing station,additionally includes another size reduction station arranged forreducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a prescribed rangebetween 0.30 centimetres and 2.80 centimetres. Alternatively, theprescribed range of said another size reduction station may be between0.50 centimetres and 2.60 centimetres. The prescribed range of saidanother size reduction station may also alternatively be between 0.75centimetres and 2.30 centimetres. The prescribed range of said anothersize reduction station may also alternatively be between 1.00centimetres and 2.00 centimetres.

Said another size reduction station, which is arranged for reducing theparticulate hemp in size so as to lie in the prescribed range such asbetween 0.30 centimetres and 2.80 centimetres, may comprise a rollermill. For example, the roller mill may have counter-rotating rollersarranged for crushing the particulate hemp from the prescribed sizerange such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetres intothe prescribed range such as that between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80centimetres.

Optionally, the pelletizing station is also arranged for adding moistureto the particulate hemp so as to aid in binding of the particulate hempat the pelletizing station.

Preferably, the pelletizing station is also arranged for cooling theparticulate hemp at a conclusion of the pelletizing station.

In one arrangement, the processing stage, after the pelletizing station,further includes a separation station arranged for segregatinginadequate hemp units from the particulate hemp where the inadequatehemp units have an average dimension sized outside the prescribed sizerange between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetres.

In one instance, the separation station comprises a suction stationarranged for applying suction to the particulate hemp to separatetherefrom the inadequate hemp units that are sized smaller than saidprescribed size range such as that between 0.60 centimetres and 3.20centimetres.

In one arrangement, the processing stage, after said another sizereduction station for reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to liein the prescribed range such as that between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80centimetres, additionally includes a separation station arranged forsegregating inadequate hemp units from the particulate hemp where theinadequate hemp units have an average dimension sized outside theprescribed range such as that between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80centimetres.

In one instance, the separation station comprises a suction stationarranged for applying suction to the particulate hemp to separatetherefrom the inadequate hemp units that are sized smaller than saidprescribed range such as that between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80centimetres.

Additionally or alternatively to the suction station, in one arrangementthe separation station comprises a screening station arranged forscreening the particulate hemp.

The suction station may be integrated with the screening station suchthat the suction is applied during the screening. Alternatively, thesuction station may be independent of the screening station and comethereafter in the processing stage such that the suction is appliedafter the screening has been performed.

It is preferred that the system includes a conveyor arranged to transferthe inadequate hemp units from the separation station to a start of theprocessing stage for reforming the inadequate hemp units back into theparticulate hemp sized in the prescribed size range such as that between0.60 centimetres and 3.20 centimetres.

Preferably, the system includes an initial mixing station at a start ofthe processing stage that is arranged for mixing the particulate hemp soas to produce a blend of the particulate hemp which has a substantiallyuniform distribution of moisture.

In one instance, the preliminary size reduction stage is arranged toaccept bales of the whole hemp stalks.

When the preliminary size reduction stage is arranged to accept thebales of the whole hemp stalks, the preliminary size reduction stage ispreferably arranged for reducing the bales of the whole hemp stalks intothe particulate hemp.

In one instance, the system also comprises a preliminary drying stagebefore the preliminary size reduction stage that is arranged for dryingthe whole hemp stalks so as to have a moisture content less than 15% byweight.

In one instance, the system includes a holding stage after theprocessing stage that is arranged for storing the particulate hemp in amanner suitable for sale as or in a final product.

In one instance, the system includes a conveyor operatively coupledbetween the preliminary size reduction stage and the processing stage.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a methodof processing whole hemp stalks at a single location, each whole hempstalk including bast fiber and shive, the method comprising:

providing the whole hemp stalks at said location;

using a shredder at said location, reducing the whole hemp stalks intoparticulate hemp which is smaller in size than the whole hemp stalks andstill includes bast fiber and shive;

at said location, processing the particulate hemp without separatingbast fiber and shive including:

-   -   reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first        range between 25 microns and 500 microns so as to be usable for        further processing of the particulate hemp into one of a        plurality of different products each with different size;    -   and using the particulate hemp sized in the first range as input        to said further processing so as to derive a selected one of        said plurality of different products;

wherein the particulate hemp includes unseparated bast fiber and shivethroughout the step of processing the particulate hemp.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a systemof processing whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp at a singlelocation, wherein the whole hemp stalks have been harvested and each ofthe whole hemp stalks includes bast fiber and shive, the systemcomprising:

a shredder arranged at said location for reducing the previouslyharvested whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp, which is smaller insize than the whole hemp stalks and still includes bast fiber and shive;

a processing stage arranged at said location for processing theparticulate hemp without separating bast fiber and shive that includes:

-   -   a first size reduction station arranged for reducing the        particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first range between        25 microns and 500 microns so as to be usable for further        processing of the particulate hemp into one of a plurality of        different products each with different size;    -   at least one further size alteration station receiving the        particulate hemp sized in the first range as input thereto for        said further processing so as to derive a selected one of said        plurality of different products;

wherein the particulate hemp includes unseparated bast fiber and shivethroughout the processing stage.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided amethod of obtaining cannabinoid oil from processed hemp comprising:

receiving the processed hemp, which has been processed from a whole hempstalk to a particulate form having reduced size;

extracting the cannabinoid oil from the processed hemp using a fluidextraction process in which an extracting solvent is applied to theprocessed hemp;

wherein the received processed hemp is characterized in that it has beenpreviously pelletized as part of its processing from the whole hempstalk to the particulate form.

In the embodiment as described in more detail hereinafter, very lowstrains of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and higher strains of cannabidiolare preferably sought and these are obtained by starting with a rawmaterial which has these characteristics, that is the raw material ispreferably low in THC and high in cannabidiol. Therefore, appropriatestrains of hemp plant are chosen to meet such requirements.

Preferably, when the processed hemp is received from another externalfacility, the processed hemp is bagged at the other external facility soas to prevent the processed hemp from drying out before the method forobtaining the cannabinoid oil is carried out.

Preferably, the whole hemp stalk, from which the processed hemp isformed, was harvested when the hemp plant was in flower before seed hadformed. As such, the processed hemp does not contain any hemp seed.

Preferably, the processed hemp includes leaves and flower buds of theharvested whole hemp stalk.

Preferably, the processed hemp includes bast fiber and shive of theharvested whole hemp stalk.

Preferably, the harvested whole hemp stalk, from which the processedhemp is formed, was left to dry outdoors (typically in the field) afterbeing cut but prior to being processed into the processed hemp.

Suitable fluid extraction processes include carrier oil extraction,super- or sub-critical carbon dioxide (CO₂) extraction, or solventextraction (an example of a solvent conventionally associated therewithis grain alcohol, butane, and hexane). These examples form part of thecategory of processes including liquid-liquid extraction which can alsobe referred to as solvent extraction.

Preferably, the harvested whole hemp stalk is of the variety havinghigher levels of cannabidiol than tetrahydrocannabinol.

In one arrangement, the step of extracting the cannabinoid oil includesgenerating used processed hemp deprived of the cannabinoid oil initiallycontained therein. The aforementioned extraction arrangement comprisingthe pressurized fluid may be better suited for generating the usedprocessed hemp that is still usable in or as a vendible product ascompared to an extraction arrangement using pressing which crushes thesubject material.

Preferably, a step of drying the used processed hemp so as to be suitedfor use as or in a salable product.

Preferably, the processed hemp comprises an average dimension between0.5 microns and 50 centimetres. Such sizing may make the processed hempbetter suited for transportation between facilities.

All or any of the above features may be combined with one another.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One embodiment of the invention will now be described in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a flow diagram of a system for processing whole hemp stalks.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a system of processing particulate hemp forextracting cannabinoid oil therefrom.

In the drawings like characters of reference indicate correspondingparts in the different figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the accompanying figures, there is illustrated a system forprocessing whole hemp stalks that is generally indicated by referencenumeral 10. The system 10 is configurable to produce one of hemp finesor flour, hemp pellets, and hemp crumbs. Each of the hemp fines,pellets, and crumbs define particulate forms of hemp stalk. Each of theparticulate forms are produced from whole hemp stalks such that thefines, pellets, and crumbs maintain characteristics of the hemp stalkand differ in terms of physical size.

The system 10 commences with a receiving stage 12 for receiving thewhole hemp stalks. Typically, the whole hemp stalks are delivered in theform of round or square bales. At the receiving stage, weight andmoisture content of the bales is determined. Preferably, the whole hempstalks have a moisture content in a range between 12% and 15% by weight;however, the moisture content may be below this range and the hempstalks may still be suited for processing into the particulate hemp. Anyone of the bales which have moisture content exceeding 15% by weight maybe rejected; alternatively, these bales that define excessively moistwhole hemp stalks may be passed through a preliminary drying station 14arranged for drying the bales. When the bales are passed to thepreliminary drying station, the bales are dried until the moisturecontent thereof is less than 15% by weight which defines an upper rangelimit for acceptable moisture content.

After the receiving stage 12, the bales are transferred to a cuttingstage 16 which performs a step of cutting the whole hemp stalks intohemp pieces smaller than the whole hemp stalks. The cutting stagecomprises a shredding station 16 which produces the hemp pieces sized tohave an average piece dimension in a prescribed piece range which ispreferably between 1.50 centimetres and 5.30 centimetres. Alternatively,the prescribed piece range may be between 1.30 centimetres and 6.40centimetres and provide comparable results to the preferred prescribedpiece range. The prescribe piece range may also be between 1.10centimetres and 7.70 centimetres and provide comparable results to thepreferred prescribed piece range. The preferred prescribed piece rangeof the average piece dimension is analogous to a typical, averagedimension of mulch for use in landscaping or gardening. In theillustrated embodiment, the shredding station comprises an agriculturalshredder which has a body and a rotor rotatably carried within the body.The body includes at least one stationary counter knife supported in thebody. The rotor, which is made of steel, supports counter shreddingblocks. Each shredding block is sized to be 40 millimetres by 40millimetres by 20 millimetres. The hemp stalks are shredded between therotor and the at least one stationary counter knife. Further to therotor and the counter knife, the shredder comprises a screen locatingopenings for passing the hemp pieces therethrough once the hemp stalksare cut into sufficiently small portions. The openings are selectivelysized to transfer out of the shredder the portions of the hemp stalkswhich are sized in the prescribed piece range mentioned hereinbefore.Size of the openings may be adjusted depending on the average piecedimension within the prescribed piece range that is desired. Theshredder may be capable of performing the step of cutting the hempstalks at a processing or cutting rate of 4,000 pounds per hour;however, in other embodiment the shredder may have a cutting rate lessthan that of the illustrated embodiment and still yield comparableresults to that of the illustrated embodiment. Such agriculturalshredders are known in the art and thus are not illustrated in detailherein. Note that the hemp pieces include bast fiber and hurdscollectively defining shive of the whole hemp stalks. As such, theshredding station 16 is arranged to cut through the bast fibers in orderto form the hemp pieces. Further to the bast fiber and the hurds, thehemp pieces may also include leaves or flower buds of the hemp stalk.

Once the whole hemp stalks have been reduced to the hemp pieces, thehemp pieces are transferred to a size reduction stage 18 which performsa step of granulating the hemp pieces into the particulate hemp. Thesize reduction stage is configured so as to produce one of the hempfines, the hemp pellets, and the hemp crumbs. The size reduction stagemay produce the particulate hemp defined by one of the hemp fines,pellets, or crumbs having an average particle dimension between 0.5microns and 3.20 centimetres. First, the stations which are common toeach one of the hemp products produced by the system 10 are discussed.

At a start of the size reduction stage, the hemp pieces are transferredfrom the shredding station 16 to a mixing station 20 which performs astep of mixing the hemp pieces so as to produce a blend of the hemppieces which has a substantially uniform distribution of moisture.Typically, the moisture content of the bales is contained closer toouter faces of the respective bale. Thus, the step of mixing the hemppieces ensures that the blend of hemp pieces has uniform moisturecontent, and this blend is then converted to one of the hemp products.In the system of the illustrated embodiment, the mixing stationcomprises a metering bin 20. It will be appreciated that the mixingstation can be considered to be part of either one of the cutting stage16 or size reduction stage 18; alternatively, the mixing station 20 canbe considered as independent of either one of the cutting or sizereduction stages so long as the mixing station is intermediate theshredding station 16 and a coarse granulating station 22 of the sizereduction stage.

The size reduction stage comprises the coarse granulating station 22which is common to each configuration of the illustrated embodiment. Thecoarse granulating station 22 performs a coarse pulverizing step whichreduces the hemp pieces to hemp particles sized in a first granule rangewhich is preferably between 75 microns and 400 microns. Alternatively,the first granule range may be between 25 microns and 500 microns andprovide comparable results to that of the preferred first granule range.Size of the hemp fines is analogous to that of sawdust. In the system 10of the illustrated embodiment, the coarse granulating station comprisesa coarse hammer mill.

To produce the hemp fines, the hemp particles are transferred from thecoarse granulating station 22 to a fine granulating station 24 whichperforms a fine pulverizing step for further reducing the hemp particlesinto hemp fines. The hemp fines are sized in a second granule rangewhich is preferably between 0.9 microns and 200 microns. Alternativelythe second granule range may be between 0.8 microns and 250 microns andprovide comparable results to that of the preferred second granulerange. The second granule range may also be between 0.5 microns and 300microns and provide comparable results to that of the preferred secondgranule range. In the illustrated embodiment, the fine granulatingstation 24 comprises a fine hammer mill which is arranged to grind thehemp particles more finely than the coarse hammer mill of the coarsegranulating station. As such, the hemp fines contain the bast fiber andthe hurds of the hemp stalks. If the hemp stalks also included theleaves and flower buds, the hemp fines also include the leaves andflower buds thereof albeit in portions. The hemp fines define one formof the particulate hemp which is produced by the system of theillustrated embodiment. The hemp fines or flour can then be bagged in amanner suitable for storage or in a manner suitable for sale in or as aconsumer product. Alternatively, the hemp fines may be transferred to astorage station 25 which will be described later in more detail.

To produce either one of the hemp pellets or the hemp crumbs, the hempparticles are transferred from the coarse granulating station 22 to apelletizing station 26 which performs a pelletizing step. In thepelletizing step, the hemp particles are formed into hemp pellets sizedin a pellet range which is preferably between 1.20 centimetres and 2.60centimetres. Alternatively the pellet range may be between 1.00centimetres and 2.80 centimetres and provide comparable results to thatof the preferred pellet range. The pellet range may also be between 0.60centimetres and 3.20 centimetres and provide comparable results to thatof the preferred pellet range. In the system of the illustratedembodiment, the pelletizing station 26 comprises a pellet mill orpelletizer 28. One example of the pellet mill that is appropriate forproducing the hemp pellets sized in the desired pellet range has thefollowing parameters, as understood by a person with normal skill in theart: (i) die diameter of 26″; (ii) hole diameter of ¼″; (iii) effectivethickness of 21/8; (iv) relief of 13/16; and (v) operating temperatureof 190 degrees Fahrenheit to 205 degrees Fahrenheit (operating at 200degrees Fahrenheit is preferred). In some instance where the moisturecontent of the hemp particles is too low such that the hemp particles donot bind together in the pelletizing step, moisture typically comprisingsteam or water is added to the hemp particles in the pelletizing stationso as to aid in forming the hemp pellets. The hemp pellets still containthe bast fiber and the hurds of the hemp stalks. If the hemp stalks alsoincluded the leaves and flower buds, the hemp pellets also include theleaves and flower buds thereof albeit in portions.

Since formation of the hemp pellets involves high temperatures, the hemppellets are transferred to a cooling station 30 belonging to thepelletizing station. The cooling station performs a step of cooling thehemp pellets such that the hemp pellets harden. The cooling stationcomprises a cooler bin 30 in the system of the illustrated embodiment.

To produce the hemp crumbs or crumbles, the hemp pellets are transferredfrom the cooling station 30 to a crushing station 32 which performs acrushing step. In the crushing step, the hemp pellets are reduced tohemp crumbs sized in a crumb range which is preferably between 1.00centimetres and 2.00 centimetres. Alternatively, the crumb range may bebetween 0.75 centimetres and 2.30 centimetres and provide comparableresults to that of the preferred crumb range. The crumb range may alsobe between 0.30 centimetres and 2.80 centimetres and provide comparableresults to that of the preferred crumb range. In other embodiments, thecrumb range may lie between 0.03 centimetres and 0.65 centimetresdepending on intended applications of the crumbs. In the system of theillustrated embodiment, the crushing station comprises a roller mill 32;however, in alternative embodiments the crushing station comprises ahammer mill separate from the hammer mill 22 of the coarse granulatingstation. The crushing station may also be referred to as a crumblerwhich forms the hemp crumbs or crumbles. The hemp crumbs still containthe bast fiber and the hurds of the whole hemp stalks. As such, some ofthe bast fiber which is difficult to break may remain such that somehemp crumbs are similar in size to the respective hemp pellets becausethe respective crumbs are held together by strands of the fiber evenafter grinding or crushing the hemp pellets. Additionally, if the hempstalks also included the leaves and flower buds, the hemp crumbs alsoinclude the leaves and flower buds thereof albeit in portions.

Regardless of whether the system is configured to produce the hemppellets or the hemp crumbs, in both instances the particulate hempdefined thereby is transferred to a screening station 34 of the sizereduction stage for removing hemp pellets or bad hemp crumbs that havean average unit dimension lying outside the respective one of the pelletrange or the crumb range depending on which hemp product is beingproduced; these hemp pellets or crumbs define inadequate or bad hempunits. The bad hemp pellets or crumbs are transferred to a start of thesize reduction stage 18 so as to pass through the coarse granulatingstation 22 and pelletizing station 26 a subsequent time. In theillustrated embodiment, the bad hemp units are transferred back to themixing station 20 instead of being transferred directly back to one ofthe coarse granulating station 22 or the pelletizing station 26. Themixing station typically has sufficient capacity to accept additionalmaterial for processing, while the coarse granulating station andpelletizing station are typically near full capacity. In alternativeembodiments comprising granulating and pelletizing stations of greatercapacity, the bad hemp units can be transferred to either one of thesestations in lieu of the mixing station.

The bad hemp units which exceed the allowed range are first separatedfrom acceptable hemp units having the average unit dimension which lieswithin the respective range. In the illustrated embodiment, the firstseparation step is performed by a first screen which allows theacceptable hemp units to pass through openings located in the firstscreen. For example, the first screen has openings sized at the upperrange limit of the pellet or crumb range. A second separation stepperformed by a second screen separates the bad hemp units that have theaverage unit dimension below the respective range. The bad hemp unitssegregated by the second screen include dust defined by the hempparticles that were not properly pelletized in the pelletizing station.In the case of the hemp crumbs, the dust may also be defined by finesgenerated during crushing of the hemp pellets to form the hemp crumbs.For example, the second screen locates openings sized at the lower rangelimit of the pellet or crumb range so that the bad hemp units that arebelow the lower range limit of the respective range pass through theopenings. In another example, the openings of the second screen are 4 mmin diameter. In addition to the screens, a suction station separates thedust from the particulate hemp by applying suction to the particulatehemp. The suction station comprises a vacuuming apparatus. The suctioncan be applied during the second separation step; alternatively thesuction can be applied after the second separation step has beenperformed. Once the dust has been removed from the particulate hemp, thebad hemp units are transferred to the start of the size reduction stage.The screening station and suction station collectively define aseparating station for segregating the bad hemp units from theparticulate hemp.

Overall, the system 10 is capable of processing 2 tonnes to 2.5 tonnesof whole hemp stalk per hour.

After the separation or segregation station, the hemp pellets and crumbsthat are acceptably sized are transferred to the storage station 25. Atthe storage station, a portion of the particulate hemp is stored in amanner suitable for selling as a consumer product or for use in aconsumer product. Another portion of the particulate hemp is stored soas to be prepared for loading for transportation to a separate oilextraction facility 38 which performs a step of extracting cannabinoid(CBD) oil from the particulate hemp. In other embodiments, theparticulate hemp may be loaded directly onto a vehicle such as a tankerfor transportation (i.e., by road) to the oil extraction facility. Thetransportation arrangement may also include train (i.e., by rail) andship (i.e., by water). In further embodiments, a facility comprising thesystem 10 may also include subsequent stages and/or stations 40 forperforming the step of extracting the CBD oil; as such, the particulatehemp may be transferred directly to the appropriate oil extractionstages and/or stations after the screening station.

Similarly to the hemp crumbs and pellets, the hemp fines may also bestored in preparation for transfer to the oil extraction facility forextracting oil from the hemp fines.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that the term ‘particulate hemp’,especially as the term pertains to the concept of oil extraction, isbroadened to be understood as processed hemp. ‘Processed hemp’ refers toa smaller forms (i.e., relating to physical size) reduced in size fromthe hemp stalks such that the smaller forms are easier to transport.Thus, the processed hemp may include the hemp fines, hemp pellets, andhemp crumbs that are sized as described hereinbefore. The processed hempmay also include hemp cubes and hemp briquettes. The hemp cubes aresized typically in a cube range between 1.20 centimetres and 7.70centimetres so as to be larger than or similarly sized as the hemppellets. The hemp cubes may be produced from the hemp stalks in asimilar fashion to the hemp pellets produced by the system 10. That is,in other embodiments the pelletizing station 26 or the pelletizer 28 maybe replaced with similar equipment so as to produce the cubes which arecubic in form instead of the hemp pellets which may be of varyingshapes. The processed hemp may also include hemp briquettes which aresized larger than the hemp cubes so as to be in a briquette rangetypically between 5 centimetres and 50 centimetres. In otherembodiments, the system 10 may be configured to produce the hempbriquettes such that the pelletizing station 28 or pelletizer isreplaced with a briquetting station or briquetting machine,respectively. Additionally, the processed hemp may include all or anycombination of the constituent components of the hemp stalks includingthe bast fiber, the hurds, the leaves, and the flower buds. Typically,inclusion of the leaves or the flower buds of the hemp stalks mayaugment an amount of CBD oil contained in the processed hemp. Also,using different strains of hemp may yield different amounts of CBD oilin the processed hemp.

Returning to the extraction of the CBD oil, the step of extracting theCBD oil typically generates used particulate hemp which is deprived ofthe CBD oil initially contained therein. Typically, the used particulatehemp has moisture content which is greater than that suited for consumerproducts such as animal litter, animal bedding, and absorbency products.Thus, the used particulate hemp is dried in a drying station 42 so as tobe suited for use in the consumer products like those mentionedhereinbefore. Typically, the step of drying the used particulate hemp isperformed with heat and air. The used particulate hemp may then bestored in a storage station 44 similar to the storage station 25.

Tests commissioned by the applicant show that for at least oneparticular strain of hemp, the hemp pellets contain about 0.02% of CBD.Thus, the tests indicate that the processed hemp is not devoid of theCBD oil initially contained in the hemp stalks. As mentioned before, thecontent or amount of CBD oil in the processed hemp may be increased byusing different strains of hemp and if the hemp stalks that areprocessed include the leaves or the flower buds.

It will be appreciated that the system of the illustrated embodiment mayalso be suited for other types of organic matter and crops.

It will also be appreciated that a particular shape of each one of thehemp products may vary so long as each individual particle of each hempproduct fits within the corresponding size range.

It will also be appreciated that binding materials are not necessary toproduce any one of the hemp fines, crumbs, or pellets in the system 10of the illustrated embodiment.

The hemp products produced by the system 10 and corresponding methodhave many applications. The following are attributes of hemp may lend toits advantages in the applications which are mentioned later: (i) bastfiber length is 5 millimetres to 40 millimetres in length; (ii) primarybast fibers, which may be most favourable for certain applications, arelong and low in lignin content; (iii) secondary bast fibers, which aresecondary to the primary fibers for the certain applications, areshorter than the primary bast fibers and high in lignin content; and(iv) tertiary bast fibers, which are third to the primary fibers for thecertain applications, are shorter than the secondary bast fibers andhigh in lignin content. Also, hemp comprises cellulose typically in arange between 32% and 38%.

Hemp is suited for a number of consumer products such as animal lifter(e.g., cat litter); animal bedding for animals like horses, birds,snakes, and rabbits; absorbing or absorption products suited for use inspills comprising oil, gas, chemicals considered hazardous and/or havingadverse effects on humans and the environment, sewage, and water;absorption products for absorbing gases generated by sewer tanks orponds; and 3D printing filament or molding when the hemp is combinedwith plastic material.

In particular, the hemp pellets and hemp crumbs are suitable for use inanimal litter for domestic pets such as cats, birds, and horses becausethese hemp products provide desirable characteristics suited for theanimal litter including (i) rapidly and efficiently absorbing animalexcretions; (ii) ability to rapidly minimize unpleasant odors; (iii)non-adherence to animal paws and fur; (iv) biodegradability; and (v) lowcost.

The hemp pellets and hemp crumbs, when made from hemp having lowtetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content, also provide the followingcharacteristics desirable in the animal litter such as (i) ability toinhibit the growth of microorganisms; (ii) ability to repel insects andpests such as fleas and moths; (iii) little to no dust content; and (iv)sufficiently low levels of psychoactive chemicals so as to not producephysical or psychological effects. Moreover, since animal litter iswidely used, it is important that the material from which the litter ismade is environmentally friendly. Hemp may be grown without applicationof insecticides or pesticides so that hemp is 100% organic the hemp,thereby meeting one of the preferred requirements of animal litter.

Additionally, the hemp products produced by the system 10 havecharacteristics including (i) high absorbency; and (ii) ability torapidly minimize unpleasant odors. Thus, the hemp fines and crumbs aresuited for absorbing or absorption products. Generally speaking, hemp isable to absorb liquids up to 490% of its weight; however, the hemp finesare likely to absorb liquids more quickly than the hemp crumbs or thehemp pellets because the hemp fines are smaller in size than thecrumbles or pellets, and the hemp crumbles are likely to absorb liquidsmore quickly than the hemp pellets because the crumbles are smaller insize compared to the pellets. Additionally, hemp is able to neutralizechemicals to a pH near 7. In chemical or oil spills, acid neutralizationmay afford the chemicals or the oil to be rendered less harmful to anexternal environment surrounding the spill. In animal litter asmentioned earlier, acid neutralization may afford neutralization ofammonia contained in animal excretions (especially in animal urine) soas to minimize an unpleasant smell of the ammonia.

The hemp crumbs or the hemp pellets may be blended with binders likecorn or wheat starch to form an animal litter which is able to formclumps.

In another example, the hemp crumbs and pellets may also be suited foruse as mulch. In a further example example, the hemp fines are suitedfor absorbing liquid such as in scenarios of water, oil, or chemicalspills. In a yet further example, the hemp fines are suited for mixingwith at least one of polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane,polylactic acid, PHA-green resin, and magnesium oxide for making plasticfilament or for use in molding.

The hemp products produced by the system 10 may also be suited for useas or in loose fill insulation.

It will be appreciated that the hemp retains its desirablecharacteristics regardless of the physical form in the presentembodiment, i.e., regardless of whether the hemp is in the form of thehemp fines, the hemp pellets, and the hemp crumbs. As such, theaforementioned qualities of one of the hemp product are likelymaintained in another one of the hemp products produced by the system10.

Hemp may also be suited for use as or in biomass.

Furthermore, hemp contains the CBD oil and the CBD oil contained in thehemp may be extracted without considerably affecting performance of thehemp for the consumer products mentioned hereinbefore.

The CBD oil is found in an upper portion of the plant such as in leavesand flower buds of the stalks. Typically, the CBD oil content in thehemp stalk ranges between 2% and 7%. It may be desirable to extract theCBD oil from the hemp stalks because the oil is suited for therapeuticuse for a variety of diseases such as anxiety disorders, post-traumaticstress disorder, psychosis, epilepsy, dystonia, diabetes, cancer,inflammatory diseases, and skin diseases.

The hemp stalks from which the particulate hemp may be harvesteddifferently depending on whether the hemp products derived from the hempstalks are to be used primarily for such consumer products as thosementioned hereinbefore or primarily for oil extraction. In case of thelatter, the hemp stalks may be harvested once the hemp stalks haveflowered such that the CBD oil content in the stalks is higher thanprior to or during flowering. In other cases, the hemp stalks may beharvested during flowering. Furthermore, depending on a state in whichthe hemp stalks are harvested a swather or combine harvester may bebetter suited for cutting the hemp stalks. After the hemp stalks arecut, the hemp stalks may be left outside in a field to dry until thehemp stalks have the proper moisture content. Once dried, the hempstalks may be baled. Once baled, the hemp stalks may be covered undertarps or stored in a shed before sending the hemp stalks to a facilitycomprising the system 10 for processing.

In another arrangement of the present invention, the whole hemp stalksare harvested when the stalks are in full flower (full bloom/blossom)but before any seeds have formed in order to obtain economicallysuitable yields of CBD oil. This is because the hemp seeds do notcontain the desired strain of cannabinoid used and therefore need not bepresent in the raw material, which is the processed hemp, from which theoil is later extracted. However, at the time of harvest, the whole hempstalks do have flower buds (also known as blooms) and leaves, and theseare not removed from the stalks so as to remain in the particulateprocessed hemp that is formed therefrom. Typically, when the stalks aredestined for oil extraction, the whole hemp stalks are left in the fieldafter cutting so as to dry to a moisture content between 10% and 18% byweight. Alternatively, drying to a moisture content between 10% and 14%or to that between 15% and 18% may be equally suitable. The hemp stalksare then baled once they have dried in the field, and subsequently thedried and baled hemp stalks are passed through the size alterationstages to form the particulate hemp that is later used in the oilextraction.

In some instances, separate facilities carry out each of the processingof the whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp and the oil extraction.The particulate processed hemp is bagged at a conclusion of itsprocessing in the first facility so that the particulate hemp retainsits moisture/oil content before the oil extraction is carried out. Thatis, the processed hemp is stored in a way suitable for shipping but in aclosed arrangement (for example, closed bags or other sealed containers)such that the particulate hemp is prevented from drying out before theoil extraction. As such, the particulate form of the hemp, which is aconsequence of its processing from a whole stalk state, by itssignificantly reduced size makes the hemp better suited for transportand better suited for holding in a moisture sealing/retainingarrangement.

At the oil extraction facility, a fluid extraction process is used toremove the oil from the processed hemp. That is, a suitable fluid(typically in liquid state) is applied as an extracting solvent to theprocessed hemp using suitable apparatus for carrying out the extraction.Typically, the processed hemp is carried in a first immiscible liquidsuch as water and is transferred to the extracting solvent by mixingtogether in the suitable apparatus. Vice versa, the extracting solventmay be first applied to the processed hemp and then mixed with anotherimmiscible liquid so that the other immiscible liquid carries thedesired CBD oil at the end of the process. The carrier liquid whichcontains the desired component at the end of the process is then removedfrom, and in this way the CBD oil is extracted.

A number of suitable such processes forming a category of processesknown as liquid-liquid extraction or otherwise as solvent extraction areeffective for extracting the desired strains of cannabinoids, andexamples include supercritical fluid extraction (for example, usingsupercritical carbon dioxide), conventional solvent extraction(conventional extraction solvents associated therewith include, forexample, grain alcohol or ethanol high grade alcohol), or carrier oilextraction (for example, using olive oil). Subcritical carbon dioxide(CO₂) extraction may also be suitable. These processes are known in theart in how they are applied to hemp and thus are not described in detailherein. Where possible, subcritical or supercritical CO₂ extraction isdesirably used because this extraction process uses a chemical (i.e.,CO₂) that is non-toxic and non-flammable as compared to the chemicalsemployed in solvent extraction (e.g., butane, grain alcohol, isopropylalcohol, hexane, or ethanol). CO₂ extraction also retains beneficialplant waxes which are present and removes the chlorophyll from the endproduct. On the other hand, conventional solvent extraction is typicallyless expensive and may be easier to perform over supercritical CO₂extraction. Note that the specifically chosen process for extracting theoil may vary depending on the end-use of the oil that is derived.

Based on presently known applications for oil derived from hemp, thestrain of cannabinoid having gained in popularity is cannabidiol.Therefore, cannabidiol is the strain which is typically desired andtherefore isolated from the hemp, although other cannabinoid strains maybe extracted alternatively or additionally to cannabidiol.

As a result of the oil extraction process, used processed hemp isproduced and it is deprived of the CBD oil initially contained therein.As such, in addition to other benefits provided by the respectiveextraction process, the fluid extraction processes mentioned above maybe better suited for providing such used processed hemp that can stillbe used in or as a vendible product because these fluid extractionprocesses leave the physical form of the hemp substantially unaltered ascompared to an extraction arrangement using pressing which crushes thesubject material. That is, the fluid extraction processes remove the CBDoil without compromising other physical properties of the processed hempwhich make it suitable for use in/as a salable product but which do notdepend on presence of CBD oil in the hemp. The used processed hemp whichwill be used in/as the salable product is dried, for example by placingthe used processed hemp in a heated storage chamber to let the hempair-dry, so as to be suited for its subsequent use.

As described in detail hereinbefore, the harvested whole hemp stalks areprocessed into one of pellets, flour, and crumbles. Each of theseproducts include both bast fiber and shive, which remain substantiallyintact throughout the processing stages, as well as the leaves andflower buds which augment the content of the desired CBD strains in theprocessed hemp. Although it is possible to extract CBD oil from theflour, the physical form of the pellets and crumbles may make them moremanageable for extraction when compared to a powdery flour form asapparent above, and thus the pellets and crumbles are preferred for theoil extraction over the flour. As such, the processed hemp from whichthe oil is extracted has typically gone through a pelletizing step aspart of its processing.

Furthermore, the processed hemp is generally preferred as the rawmaterial for oil extraction over the original whole hemp stalks as theprocessed hemp is more suitably sized and each unit thereof contains aplurality of components of the original whole hemp stalk like the shive,bast fiber, leaves, and flowers (through the processing as describedhereinbefore) such that uniform yields of the CBD oil may be produced interms of quality and relative proportions of desired CBD strains in theoil. The same is not necessarily true if the whole hemp stalks, asharvested, were used as the raw material for oil extraction or even ifthe whole hemp stalks were separated into constituent parts of the plantand then used as the raw material.

Since various modifications can be made in my invention as herein abovedescribed, and many apparently widely different embodiments of samemade, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanyingspecification shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not in alimiting sense.

1. A method of processing whole hemp stalks at a single location, eachwhole hemp stalk including bast fiber and shive, the method comprising:providing the whole hemp stalks at said location; at said location,reducing the whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp which is smaller insize than the whole hemp stalks and still includes bast fiber and shive;at said location, processing the particulate hemp without separatingbast fiber and shive including: reducing the particulate hemp in size soas to lie in a first size range so as to be usable for furtherprocessing of the particulate hemp into one of a plurality of differentproducts each with different size; wherein the particulate hemp includesunseparated bast fiber and shive throughout the step of processing theparticulate hemp.
 2. The method according to claim 1 wherein the step ofprocessing the particulate hemp, after the step of reducing theparticulate hemp in size so as to lie in the first size range,additionally includes further reducing the particulate hemp in size soas to lie in a second size range comprising a range of smaller averagedimensions of the particulate hemp than a range of average dimensions ofthe particulate hemp defined by the first size range.
 3. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein the step of processing the particulatehemp, after the step of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as tolie in the first size range, further includes binding together theparticulate hemp into a prescribed pellet size range comprising a rangeof larger average dimensions of the particulate hemp than a range ofaverage dimensions of the particulate hemp defined by the first sizerange.
 4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of processingthe particulate hemp, after the step of binding together the particulatehemp, additionally includes reducing the particulate hemp in size so asto lie in a prescribed crumble size range comprising a range of largeraverage dimensions of the particulate hemp than the range of averagedimensions of the particulate hemp defined by the first size range. 5.The method according to claim 3 wherein the step of binding together theparticulate hemp includes adding moisture to the particulate hemp at abeginning or throughout said step of binding together the particulatehemp so as to aid in binding the particulate hemp.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 3 wherein the step of processing the particulatehemp, after the step of binding together the particulate hemp, furtherincludes a step of cooling the particulate hemp.
 7. The method accordingto claim 3 wherein the step of processing the particulate hemp, afterthe step of binding together the particulate hemp, further includes astep of separating inadequate hemp units from the particulate hemp, theinadequate hemp units respectively having an average dimension sizedoutside the prescribed pellet size range.
 8. The method according toclaim 4 wherein the step of processing the particulate hemp, after thestep of reducing the particulate hemp in size so as to lie in theprescribed crumble size range, additionally includes a step ofseparating inadequate hemp units from the particulate hemp, theinadequate hemp units respectively having an average dimension sizedoutside the prescribed crumble size range.
 9. The method according toclaim 7 wherein the step of processing the particulate hemp, after thestep of separating inadequate hemp units, includes reforming theinadequate hemp units back into the particulate hemp that is sized inthe prescribed pellet size range by reiterating on said inadequate hempunits each one of (i) the step of reducing the particulate hemp in sizeso as to lie in the first size range, and (ii) the step of bindingtogether the particulate hemp.
 10. The method according to claim 1wherein the step of providing the whole hemp stalks comprises providingbales thereof and the step of reducing the whole hemp stalks intoparticulate hemp comprises reducing the bales of the whole hemp stalksinto the particulate hemp.
 11. A system of processing whole hemp stalksinto particulate hemp at a single location, wherein the whole hempstalks have been harvested and each of the whole hemp stalks includesbast fiber and shive, the system comprising: a preliminary sizereduction station arranged at said location for reducing the previouslyharvested whole hemp stalks into particulate hemp, which is smaller insize than the whole hemp stalks and still includes bast fiber and shive;a processing stage arranged at said location for processing theparticulate hemp without separating bast fiber and shive, the processingstage including: a first size reduction station arranged for reducingthe particulate hemp in size so as to lie in a first size range so as tobe usable for further processing of the particulate hemp into one of aplurality of different products each with different size; at least onefurther size alteration station receiving the particulate hemp sized inthe first size range as input thereto for said further processing so asto derive a selected one of said plurality of different products;wherein the particulate hemp includes unseparated bast fiber and shivethroughout the processing stage.
 12. The system according to claim 11wherein said at least one further size alteration station is a secondsize reduction station which is arranged for further reducing theparticulate hemp in size so as to lie in a second size range comprisinga range of smaller average dimensions of the particulate hemp than arange of average dimensions of the particulate hemp defined by the firstsize range.
 13. The system according to claim 12 wherein the second sizereduction station comprises a hammer mill.
 14. The system according toclaim 11 wherein the first size reduction station comprises a hammermill.
 15. The system according to claim 11 wherein the preliminary sizereduction stage comprises a shredder.
 16. The system according to claim11 wherein said at least one further size alteration station comprises apelletizing station arranged for binding together the particulate hempinto a prescribed pellet size range comprising a range of smalleraverage dimensions of the particulate hemp than a range of averagedimensions of the particulate hemp defined by the first size range. 17.The system according to claim 16 wherein said at least one further sizealteration station, after the pelletizing station, further comprisesanother size reduction station arranged for reducing the particulatehemp in size so as to lie in a prescribed crumble size range comprisinga range of larger average dimensions of the particulate hemp than therange of average dimensions of the particulate hemp defined by the firstsize range.
 18. The system according to claim 17 wherein said anothersize reduction station, which is arranged for reducing the particulatehemp in size so as to lie in the prescribed crumble size range,comprises a roller mill.
 19. The system according to claim 16 whereinthe processing stage, after the pelletizing station, further includes aseparation station arranged for segregating inadequate hemp units fromthe particulate hemp where the inadequate hemp units respectively havean average dimension sized outside the prescribed pellet size range. 20.The system according to claim 19 wherein the separation stationcomprises a suction station arranged for applying suction to theparticulate hemp to separate therefrom the inadequate hemp units thatare sized smaller than a lower limit of the prescribed pellet sizerange.
 21. The system according to claim 19 wherein the separationstation comprises a screening station arranged for screening theparticulate hemp.